Mark Skazinetsky, presently in his fourteenth season as Associate Concertmaster of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, is a native of Odessa, Ukraine. Upon completing his music education in the State Conservatory of Odessa, he was awarded a degree with honours. At age fifteen he won first prize in the Ukrainian competition for Young Talents and subsequently performed as soloist with the Odessa State Philharmonic. In 1979 he emigrated to Canada and was immediately appointed Assistant Concertmaster with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra and Stratford's Chamber Ensemble. One year later he joined the TSO. Mr. Skazinetsky is a prominent chamber musician and is heard frequently both on CBC radio and in recital halls throughout the nation. His most recent engagements have included performances in Italy, in recital and as soloist with the Orchestra Sinfonica della Provinci di Bari. He is currently on staff at the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto.

NYO Canada is Canada's advanced orchestral training institute for musicians ages 16 to 28. Approximately one in three musicians performing in Canada's professional symphony orchestras are alumni of the NYO Canada. Read more about us here +